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Formula 1 seeking independent engine supplier

Formula 1 could get a new engine supplier in the near future, if Bernie Ecclestone and the independent teams gets their way. According to Autosport, the FIA is soon to open the contract up for bids, and there are already several manufacturers that have expressed interest. Currently Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda supply engines – both to their own premier teams (Red Bull and McLaren for the latter two) but also to other teams like Williams, Sauber, and Toro Rosso. Because the new turbocharged V6 hybrid power units cost those four suppliers so much to develop, they're charging their customer teams big bucks – around $20-30 million per season – to provide the engines. These costs are much higher than the $10 million or so it used to cost to purchase a V8 engine under the previous regulations. Ecclestone figures it's time to bring in another supplier who will not run their own team and not play favorites, but will supply engines to private teams at a lower cost. There are already a number of potential suppliers under consideration. One of them is said to be Cosworth, which has a long history in the series stretching back to 1963. The British firm stepped back between 2007 and 2009, returned in 2010, and dropped out again after 2013. The development could be of particular benefit to Red Bull, which has been unable to find an engine supplier and could be forced out of the series as a result. The team has long been powered by Renault, but that relationship has grown sour. And the other three engine manufacturers have not been forthcoming in offering an alternative arrangement for the team. Related Video: News Source: AutosportImage Credit: Cosworth Motorsports Ferrari Honda Infiniti McLaren Mercedes-Benz Renault F1 engine contract

Ferrari considering return to Le Mans racing in 2015

Rumors are swirling that Ferrari may be contemplating a return to Le Mans racing as soon as 2015. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports the Italian automaker may apply the development of a new 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine for Formula One to an LMP1 car for Le Mans, and have it ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in two years. This follows hints made by Scuderia Ferrari CEO Stefano Domenicali last month that the newly developed F1 engine could be used for "some interesting projects."
Ferrari has a history of success in Le Mans racing, though it hasn't won the big endurance outright since 1965. The image above captures the exact moment when the No. 21 car of Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt crossed the finish line that year to win the race. That win was the last of six consecutive outright victories before the infamous arrival of the Ford GT40 in 1966. Despite never reaching the top of the podium again, Ferrari's nine wins still stand as the third most overall by a manufacturer behind Porsche (16) and Audi (11).
If Ferrari does return to Le Mans in 2015, the LMP1 class will suddenly be teaming with worthy competitors for Audi, which has dominated the race since 2000. After Peugeot's exit from the sport in early 2012, Toyota entered the race in 2012 and has continued to develop its TS030 Hybrid LMP1 car. Porsche, meanwhile, is well into developing a new LMP1 car that will first compete in next year's race.

Ferrari 288 GTO to be auctioned by Mecum in Monterey

If you're a rather affluent person attending the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this year, you may want to set aside some spending money. Mecum is offering this gorgeous Ferrari 288 GTO at its Monterey auction. For those that don't know about the 288 GTO, it is one of Ferrari's greatest supercars, frequently compared with its successor, the F40. The car was originally developed for the fast and dangerous Group B rally racing class and featured a twin-turbocharged 2.8 liter V8 making 400 horsepower. Not only that, but the steel tube-frame chassis was draped in cutting-edge carbon fiber and Kevlar body panels. This particular model has just over 11,000 kilometers on the clock. If anyone of us at our office had it, that number would be multiplied a few times over. And it would likely be a reasonably comfortable driver, since this one has the option package that added air conditioning, a stereo and power windows. The stereo might be a tad superfluous considering the likely sonorous powertrain in this machine. The car also carries certification from Ferrari's in-house certifier and restorer, Ferrari Classiche. All this could be yours provided you have the cash to back up your bids. Mecum is expecting the 288 GTO to bring between two and three million dollars. This falls in line with Hagerty Insurance's average valuation of $2,350,000. That sum is a significant jump from five years ago when Hemmings estimated a good model going for about $650,000. Related Video: